Ivan Pavlov – VIDEO BIOGRAPHY

Ivan Pavlov – VIDEO BIOGRAPHY

Ivan Pavlov Summary

Ivan Pavlov was born on September 14, 1849, in Ryazan, Russia. He initially studied theology but later pursued science, inspired by Charles Darwin and I.M. Sechenov.

  • Studied chemistry and physiology at the University of Saint Petersburg, graduating in 1875.
  • Researched cardiovascular physiology and gastrointestinal secretions, leading to his concept of the conditioned reflex.
  • Conducted famous experiments on dogs, conditioning them to salivate in response to neutral stimuli.
  • Published his results in 1903 and received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1904.
  • Applied his laws to the study of psychosis and received numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate from Cambridge University.

Pavlov’s work laid the groundwork for important concepts in psychology and physiology, and he continued to work in his lab until his death on February 27, 1936.



Term Definition Example Usage
Classical Conditioning A learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus. Pavlov’s dogs were classically conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell.
Conditioned Reflex A reflex that occurs in response to a stimulus that has been learned through experience. The dogs in Pavlov’s experiment developed a conditioned reflex to salivate at the sound of a bell.
Unconditioned Stimulus A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without any prior learning. Food is an unconditioned stimulus that naturally triggers salivation in dogs.
Unconditioned Response A response that occurs naturally and automatically in response to an unconditioned stimulus. Salivation in response to food is an unconditioned response.
Neutral Stimulus A stimulus that does not naturally trigger a response. A bell is a neutral stimulus that does not naturally trigger salivation in dogs.
Physiology The study of the functions and processes that occur within living organisms. Pavlov’s work on digestion and the nervous system contributed to the field of physiology.
Gastrointestinal Secretions The process by which the digestive system releases enzymes and acids to break down food. Pavlov’s research on gastrointestinal secretions led to a deeper understanding of the digestive process.
Cardiovascular Physiology The study of the functions and processes of the heart and blood vessels. Pavlov’s early research focused on cardiovascular physiology and its relationship to the nervous system.
Nobel Prize A prestigious award given to recognize outstanding contributions in various fields, including physiology or medicine. Pavlov was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1904 for his work on digestion.
Psychosis A mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality. Pavlov applied his laws of conditioning to the study of psychosis and its treatment.
Honorary Doctorate A degree awarded to recognize an individual’s outstanding contributions to a particular field. Pavlov received an honorary doctorate from Cambridge University in recognition of his work.
Theology The study of the nature of God and religious beliefs. Pavlov initially studied theology before pursuing a career in science.
Charles Darwin An English naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution through natural selection. Pavlov was inspired by Darwin’s work and its implications for the natural sciences.
I.M. Sechenov A Russian physiologist who made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience. Sechenov’s work influenced Pavlov’s decision to pursue a career in science.
University of Saint Petersburg A prestigious institution of higher learning in Russia. Pavlov graduated from the University of Saint Petersburg in 1875.
Cambridge University A renowned institution of higher learning in the United Kingdom. Pavlov received an honorary doctorate from Cambridge University.
Physiological Response A response that occurs within an organism as a result of a physical or environmental stimulus. Pavlov’s work focused on understanding physiological responses to various stimuli.
Learning Theory A concept that explains how organisms acquire new knowledge or behaviors. Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory is a fundamental concept in learning theory.
Behavioral Psychology The study of the relationship between behavior and the mind. Pavlov’s work laid the groundwork for important concepts in behavioral psychology.
Neuroscience The study of the structure and function of the nervous system. Pavlov’s research on the nervous system contributed to the field of neuroscience.




Vocabulary Quiz: Ivan Pavlov

Test your knowledge of vocabulary related to Ivan Pavlov’s life and work.

1. What does the term “gastrointestinal” refer to?





2. What is the meaning of the term “conditioned reflex”?





3. What does the term “psychosis” refer to?





4. What is the meaning of the term “physiology”?





5. What does the term “cardiovascular” refer to?





Answer Key:

  1. b) The study of the digestive system and its secretions
  2. b) A learned response to a stimulus that is not naturally associated with it
  3. b) A type of mental disorder affecting thought and behavior
  4. b) The study of the functions and processes of living things
  5. c) The study of the heart and blood vessels and their functions

Grammar Point: Passive Voice in Scientific Writing


The passive voice is often used in scientific writing to emphasize the action rather than the doer. In the text, we can see examples of the passive voice, such as “was born”, “was inspired”, “was published”, and “was received”. The passive voice is formed using the verb “to be” in the correct tense, followed by the past participle of the main verb. For example, “Ivan Pavlov was born” is in the passive voice, whereas “His parents born him” is in the active voice. The passive voice is useful for describing processes, experiments, and results in a neutral and objective way.
Now, let’s practice using the passive voice with the following quiz: 1. Ivan Pavlov’s results ________ in 1903. A) publish | B) were published | C) have been publishing | D) are publishing 2. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine ________ to Ivan Pavlov in 1904. A) was given | B) give | C) has been given | D) is given 3. Ivan Pavlov’s concept of the conditioned reflex ________ through his experiments on dogs. A) develop | B) was developed | C) is developing | D) has been developed 4. The University of Cambridge ________ an honorary doctorate to Ivan Pavlov. A) give | B) gives | C) has given | D) was given 5. Ivan Pavlov’s work ________ the groundwork for important concepts in psychology and physiology. A) lay | B) lays | C) has laid | D) was laid Answer Key: 1. B) were published 2. A) was given 3. B) was developed 4. D) was given 5. A) lay

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